Sitting or Being Willing - Is It Time to Semi-Retire?

Taking That First Step Toward a New Adventure

In the past year, I have experienced a lot of change—job loss, the passing of a family member, and grappling with who I am. What is my purpose? What is grief teaching me? And why does it all seem to be happening at once?

Scripture tells us that God always has a plan. Even in the hardest moments, good can come from them. I often hear that our trials are either lessons or blessings—sometimes both. I am convinced that God does for us what we cannot do for ourselves. I had been in a job that, while not terrible, left me feeling unfulfilled. I wrestled with the decision to leave, uncertain if stepping away was the right choice. But in the end, God made the decision for me—and for that, I am truly grateful.

Last November, God gave me a huge gift—the gift of rest. The freedom to wake up without an alarm and explore new opportunities. I spent quality time with family, reconnected with friends over coffee and lunch, and embraced nature when the weather allowed. The gift of freedom has been remarkable—not just to sit in silence and uncertainty about where life is headed, but to step into the excitement of trying, learning, and experiencing new things. It has truly been a blessing.

Of course, the change was not easy. There were ups, downs, and everything in between. I discovered that having a daily to-do list gave me the structure I needed to feel productive. Later, I tried a more structured approach—blocking out time on my calendar—but quickly realized I disliked being confined to specific tasks at specific times. That was my first awakening! However, it helped me recognize when I was most creative and when I needed to focus on lower-level, mind-numbing activities. So, I returned to my to-do list, carefully building in time for rest, fun, and pursuits close to my heart—writing a book, finishing a class, starting a small business, and continuing studies so I can volunteer at my church.

I have continued to pursue full-time work, but at my age, opportunities comparable to what I had seem scarce. I have come to terms with that, and I am okay with it. It is okay to slow down, embrace this season of my life, and discern whether I am ready for semi-retirement—where I can dedicate myself to meaningful work, build a small client base, volunteer, and maintain balance in loving my family and being present when they need me most. The loss of a family member has also been a poignant reminder that we only have one life—and as many say, it is short. So, I am choosing to live it well.

Another important step was meeting with my financial advisor to assess how these changes might impact my long-term retirement goals. Thankfully, no red flags emerged, but it was determined that bridging the gap until age 62 would be in my best interest. While I haven't stopped applying for full-time work, I trust that if God opens a door, I must be willing to follow His lead. Since nothing has surfaced so far, I have become willing to let go of my past life and take deliberate steps toward shaping my future. It's never good to willy, nilly make financial decisions. So, this step was so helpful and impactful in my decision-making process.

After spending weeks in indecision—feeling miserable—I knew I needed to make a change. Working from home only was no longer beneficial for me mentally, and I realized I needed to step out and find work that would allow me to serve people again. Soon I'll be starting a part-time job. I am approaching this new chapter as an adventure, embracing the opportunity to create a simpler life with greater balance, while also being more present for my loved ones and friends.

Sometimes, we must wait for God's answers—that is wise. Other times, we must ask Him to remove any shortcomings that hinder our willingness to follow His plan and act in trust. I feel a sense of peace with my current path, though I know that God may always shuffle the deck as He continues to make my paths straight.

Grace to you, Cindy

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